BNSF rail hub faces setback, opposition grows in the West Valley
West Valley residents oppose BNSF rail hub project
A proposal by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) to build a massive railroad hub in the unincorporated community of Wittmann is drawing concern from a wider range of West Valley communities. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean has the story.
MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. - A proposal by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) to build a massive railroad hub in the unincorporated community of Wittmann is drawing concern from a wider range of West Valley communities.
The project, which has faced significant local opposition, is reportedly hitting a key snag in its approval process.
Wittmann residents oppose BNSF's proposed logistics hub
One of the nation's largest freight railway companies is planning a brand-new logistics hub less than a mile from some homes in Wittmann, an unincorporated community in Maricopa County. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean hears from neighbors in opposition.
What they're saying:
The proposed multi-billion-dollar BNSF logistics hub is facing mounting opposition from area residents, including Bud Meador, a Sun City West resident who has joined a grassroots movement to stop the project.
Meador, who lives 15 miles southeast of the proposed site, voiced concerns about the long-term impact of the project, stating, "This is not a fly-by-night thing. If that thing goes in, it's there forever."
A key concern for Meador and other opponents is the potential effect on air quality, particularly for senior citizens in nearby communities like Sun City West and Surprise.
"We have a good number of senior citizens who have cardiovascular issues, pulmonary issues, asthmatic issues, and things of that nature that smog irritates and accentuates," Meador said.
He added that the same environmental impacts that affect seniors also "adversely impact our young children as they grow up."
Meador's concerns about children's health are echoed by Nadaburg Elementary School, which sent a letter of opposition to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in July. The letter reportedly highlights concerns about pollutant levels and the risks of hazardous material transfers, citing potential long-term health and learning development issues.
He stated that while he wishes BNSF success, the project should be built "someplace else" where it won't impact communities in the West Valley.
Dig deeper:
In addition to health concerns, Meador fears the hub will negatively impact property values.
"Who wants to go out and buy and build right next to a railroad intermodal? The largest in the country. For all sorts of reasons—24/7 operations, squealing tracks, you've heard it all the time. Hazardous materials," he said.
In August, BNSF spokesperson Lena Kent told FOX 10 that the project is necessary to meet the transportation demands of the growing Phoenix area. "You can truck it all in, or you can rail it all in, and if you're gonna rail it in, we need a place to land it," Kent explained.
Meador maintains that while he is not against development, he believes the project should be moved elsewhere. "If this thing goes in out there, Wittmann will die, I'm convinced of it, and this area will suffer," he said.
BNSF plan for Wittmann logistics hub faces local opposition
BNSF's plan to build a new logistics hub in Wittmann, Arizona, has drawn opposition from local residents concerned about increased traffic, noise, and environmental impact. Although the company highlights the potential for 77,000 new jobs.
What's next:
Meador is speaking on the morning of Sept. 2 to a group of real estate agents about the project about his concerns regarding property values and taxation.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors was scheduled to vote on the proposed plan at a hearing on Nov. 5, but that date may be delayed.
County Supervisor Debbie Lesko said the delay could be due to a missed zoning change application deadline.
Lesko has stated that if the vote were to happen, for now, she would vote no.
BNSF rail hub opponent raises health concerns
Opposition to the proposed BNSF railroad hub in Wittmann continues to grow, with critics raising concerns about the potential health effects on both the elderly and young children. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean has the story.